Book Release for Why Don't We Just Sue the British Museum? A Litigator's Perspective on the Elgin-Parthenon Marbles Debate by Michael J. Reppas, II, Esq.

Title: Why Don't We Just Sue the British Museum? A Litigator's Perspective on the Elgin-Parthenon Marbles DebateAuthor: Michael J. Reppas, II, Esq. Publisher: E-volve Publishing, LLC, 8004 NW 154h St. #214, Miami, FL 33016Date of Publication: 2012 Language: EnglishISBN: 978--0-9859755-0-0Price: $29.99 (plus $3.50 S&H)Description: 306pp softcover, incl. illus.Availability: Website of The American Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, Inc. (downloadable order form) at the URL http://www.parthenonmarblesusa.org/index.php/support-acrps/michael-j-reppas-new-book . All proceeds donated by author to The American Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, Inc.

About the Book

Reppas skillfully crafts a trial for the return of the Marbles, with an impassioned Opening Statement, engaging trial transcript dialogue, introduction of exhibits and evidence, and Closing Statement.

To the Reader-Juror, Reppas writes in his Opening Statement:

"The 'Elgin Marbles' debate has raged ever since [their looting by Lord Elgin in the 1800s] and the Parthenon Sculptures have become a symbol of pain and exploitation. Artifact-rich countries around the world identify this theft as the foremost example of 19th century looting of art and artifacts. The return of this looted cultural property to Greece is a global concern for all people who have had their cultural treasures stripped from them; and is a problem that has been ignored for far too long.

Have no doubt that the verdict that I will ask you to redner at the end of this case will be monumental. I will be asking you to vote in favor of forcing the British Muiseum to retujrn to Greece all those original marble sculptures and pieces in the collectin known as the 'Elgin Marbles.' I will be asking you to rally against all those museums that have built their collections with looted and stolen art and artifacts. Tell them that 'this is the 21st century, where we do not accept or allow anyone to keep stolen treasures from their rightful people. The rights of those people exploited by 19th entury colonial 'collectors' and grave robbers, should not be given preference over the rights of the peop-le whose cultural property has been wrongfully stolen from them.' A blind eye has been turned for tool long! You have the power to right this historical wrong and the time has come to do it."

Evidence is examined and debated, with summaries and historical backgrounds presented for the benefit of the reader-juror in Part One. In the second part, Reppas reproduces relevant essays and articles for further discussion and education of the reader-juror. And finally, in Part Three, "My Final Thoughts," the author shares his expert opinon about the risks of a trial to both Greece and Great Britain. He makes it clear to readers-jurors that his arguments are truncated and not exhaustive so as not to reveal all of the strategies that a litigator might employ to seek the return of the Marbles.

Above all, however, Why Don't We Just Sue the British Museum? is a compelling account of history and legal strategy, one destined for the home of every family of Greek descent, since the Elgin-Parthenon Marbles are, as Reppas asserts, among the most salient symbols of Greek culture.

Reviewers' Remarks

" After experiencing Reppas' trial, no reasonable person could support the position of the British Museum."--Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chancellor, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago

"It was an intense courtroom drama, a detailed history lesson, a compelling ethics course and an inspiring autobiography. I am convinced and you will be too."--Robert J. Robes, Esq., Adjunct Professor Law

About the Author

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Reppas is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he double-majored in Modern Greek Studies and Political Science. Mr. REppas earned his Juris Doctor degree from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, Florida, and his LL.M. in International Law from teh Univrsity of Miami School of Law. Mr. Reppas is a member of the FLorida, New York and District of Columbia Bar Associations focusing primarily of Art Law and Litigation; State, Federal and International litigations, and the recovery of property and assets in Greece. Mr. Reppas' is one of hte world's foremost legal scholars on Cultural Property and the international debate over the Parthenon Sculptures/Elgin Marbles. He has authored a number of seminal articles published in prestigious journals worldwide and cited in dozens of top law journals and books. His published theories continue to be referenced by hudnreds of competing authors. Mr. Reppas regularly lectures and consults on the subject of the Antiquities Law and the Parthenon Marbles globally. He is also the founder and President of The American Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, Inc. (ACRPS), an IRS 501c3 not-for-profit organization focused on the repatriation of looted cultural property to source nations throughout the world. For more information about ACRPS, visit http://www.parthenonmarblesusa.org. Read Mr. Reppas' biography at http://www.reppaslaw.com.